5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Blake Hoena

Graphic novels are some of the most popular stories for young readers, and graphic nonfiction is no exception. Today we visit the 5 Kinds of Nonfiction with author Blake Hoena. His most recent graphic novel series, Athletes Who Made a Difference, follows four legendary sports heroes from their early years to pro careers. Through grit, leadership, and resistance these individuals were able to change the world around them. Read on to discover how the graphic novel format is perfect for these athletes’ stories and to learn more about Narrative Nonfiction.

By Sara E. Hoffmann, School & Library Series Managing Editor

Calling all Garfield fans—and all fans of comics in general! Lerner and Paws, Inc. (the company behind everyone’s favorite orange feline) have published an exciting new book about comic strips and the elements that go into them, from characters and settings to plots and punchlines. And the best part? The information is peppered with hilarious jokes, asides, and snarky comments from Garfield himself! Read More

Flying Your Way this August: The Epic Origin of Super Potato

By Greg Hunter, Associate Editorial Director, Graphic Universe

The history of superhero comics is full of stories that tease—or even appear to implement—drastic changes to a character’s status quo. The goofiest versions of these stories took place during the 1950s and 1960s. During those times, comic book heroes would routinely transform into turtles or werewolves. They’d turn purple or split in two. Their friends and loved ones would react with alarm. The heroes themselves would wonder if their careers as crime fighters were finished. And the problem would find a hasty resolution by the end of an issue.

By Greg Hunter, Editor

Graphic novels are a great storytelling form for rule breakers. That’s not me encouraging anybody out there to get in trouble. What I mean is that each story tends to follow certain conventions, and it might have a subset of rules specific to the book too. And that’s a good thing—graphic novels tend to be a welcoming form for reluctant readers, because the rules are pretty simple. Read More